Will Grier's Potential Impact

Jul 01, 2013 10:59 AM EST

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Florida is hoping that quarterback commitment Will Grier will be the future face of the program. Grier is a four-star recruit and fluctuates between the second- and third-ranked quarterback in his class, depending on the recruiting service. He is a pro-style quarterback, and coach Will Muschamp hopes Grier will be a perfect fit in his system.

Grier will be the first quarterback that is Muschamp’s “guy.” Muschamp has started John Brantley and Jeff Driskel at quarterback, both of whom Urban Meyer recruited to run his spread system. Grier will be the first true pro-style quarterback with a chance to start under Muschamp and in offensive coordinator Brent Pease’s offense.

At 6-foot-2 and only 180 pounds, Grier is slightly built, but makes up for his lack of size in mobility and accuracy. Bud Elliot, national recruiting scout, states that he has a low side-arm throwing motion. He is quick to get outside of the pocket, and looks to throw open receivers. Grier has average arm strength. Elliot compares him to a more mobile Phillip Rivers.

In the current system, Grier should be a good fit. He will be able to run the bootlegs that Driskel constantly employs. At the same time, his accuracy on the run should find soft spots in low zones. Pairing Grier with Florida’s pounding rushing attack will bring the defense up to stuff the box. If Grier can flash the ability to throw the ball deep, the deep fly routes should be open. The offense will look a lot like USC’s has in the last few years, an accurate quarterback using touch to get speedy athletes open in space.

Grier is still in high school, with great room for improvement. If he can develop his arm strength and fill out his frame, he could turn into an asset for the Gators. A consistent passing attack would be the last piece of the championship puzzle for Muschamp’s Gators. In reality, no one knows how these Elite 11 quarterbacks will fare in the SEC until they get there. Until then, fans can hope.